Following concerns over pesticide residues, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has confirmed that Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore, imported mainly from China, South Korea, and Japan, are safe for consumption. The SFA's rigorous testing for pesticides revealed no residue levels of food safety concern. This assurance comes amidst reports from Thailand about hazardous chemical residues found in Shine Muscat grapes, prompting the SFA to continue its monitoring efforts to safeguard public health.
In response to the findings in Thailand, the National Food Agency (NFA) of Indonesia has initiated an investigation into Shine Muscat grapes originating from China. Arief Prasetyo, head of the NFA, announced plans for sampling and laboratory testing to verify the safety of these grapes in the Indonesian market. The NFA's actions are in line with Presidential Regulation No. 66 of 2021 and Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food, which mandate the agency to ensure the safety of fresh food through permit issuance and market surveillance.
Yusra Egayanti, Acting Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety at the NFA, highlighted the agency's efforts to refine regulations concerning the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of pesticides in food, in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture No. 53 of 2018. The NFA is also enforcing the inclusion of serving instructions on fresh food labels, such as the requirement for grapes to be washed before consumption, to minimize the risk of residue or contamination.
Both the SFA and NFA urge the public to practice food safety measures, such as washing and, when possible, peeling fruits before consumption to further reduce pesticide residue risks. These measures come as part of the agencies' ongoing commitment to monitor and ensure the safety of food products in their respective markets, in light of the recent findings in Thailand and the subsequent investigations in Indonesia.
Source: TNP
Source: Antara News